News

Ryedale women given IVF hope

Local GPs on the NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG Governing Body have agreed to reintroduce In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment for women in the area.

IVF, which has been a hot topic since the former primary care trust ceased funding it in 2011 due to financial pressures, was discussed at the CCG’s Governing Body meeting held in public at Ryedale District Council. The item was presented by Carrie Wollerton, executive nurse on the governing body. Her recommendation to establish a working group to further investigate options for reintroducing IVF received wide support from other governing body members.

Mrs Wollerton explained that although the funding of IVF did not feature on the CCG’s financial plans for 2014/15, funding should still be considered; particularly in light of moves by neighbouring CCGs to reintroduce some form of IVF treatment.

Mrs Wollerton said: “Due to the fact the CCG has managed to achieve its target of ending the financial year with a one percent surplus, and in line with our promise to review the commissioning position around IVF after our first year of operation, it is encouraging that the Governing Body has supported this recommendation.

“There are various factors we must now consider in terms of reintroducing IVF, including things like the number of cycles to commission and the criteria for who is eligible to receive them. It’s important however that all these factors are considered alongside any financial implications, as well as their fit with guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).”

Although no specific deadline was given by the CCG for the reintroduction of IVF, it has given a commitment to establishing the working group and reaching a decision as soon as possible on the level of service to be commissioned. Further updates will be published in due course.